STORY
Chancellor John Healey has said the Government will continue working with the United States and other international partners to apply economic pressure on Iran. He said more than 240 sanctions had been imposed by the Government since it took office, targeting Iranian individuals and organisations whose activities were considered a threat to British people and national security.
Healey said the measures were intended to prevent the Iranian regime from using the global economy and British financial system to support its nuclear programme and other activities the Government regards as destabilising. He also welcomed US efforts to increase pressure through Operation Economic Outcast, although his statement did not identify any additional UK sanctions being imposed as part of the announcement.
The Chancellor said Britain supported American efforts to secure a diplomatic settlement and would continue working with international partners to protect UK interests and restore access through the Strait of Hormuz. He called on Iran to end what he described as destabilising activity across the region and to participate in diplomatic discussions in good faith.